Queensland Reds farewell Wallabies trio among departing players

Wallabies backs Jock Campbell, Hunter Paisami and Josh Flook have had their efforts in maroon celebrated by the Queensland Reds, with the club farewelling the departing trio at the conclusion of their contracts.

The Reds have also highlighted the efforts of highly rated prospects Frankie Goldsbrough, Hamish Muller and McCulloch, who have also left the club. They all made at least one appearance for the Queensland side, with Muller featuring a dozen times during Super Rugby Pacific.

“On behalf of the Reds and Queensland Rugby, I’d like to thank Josh, Jock and Hunter for their significant contributions to rugby in Queensland over many years. Each has made a lasting contribution and helped make the Reds program better,” Sam Cordingley, the Reds General Manager, High Performance, said.

“I’d also like to acknowledge Frankie, Will and Hamish. While each has faced challenges with injury, they are all still early in their careers, and I’m confident they have plenty more to offer the game.”

Campbell joined a fairly exclusive club last season by becoming the latest Queenslander to reach the 100-games tally. The fullback was later crowned the Reds Player of the Season, which led to higher honours with the Wallabies.

The 31-year-old hadn’t played Test rugby in 1316 days but started at fullback in a nail-biting loss to Ireland during the July Nations Championship Tests. Campbell also suited up off the bench against France at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.

Campbell has played at the Brisbane venue many times, even captaining the Reds against the British & Irish Lions there in July 2025. But Queensland representative number 1339 is now set for a new chapter, amid rumours of a Japan move.

“It’s been a heck of a journey over the past eight years,” Campbell reflected.

“Those milestones of 100 games and captaining Queensland seem a bit surreal right now. It will be in the years to come that I appreciate them even more.

“It has been really satisfying to have a good year to finish. To be involved in that last-minute try in Canberra to beat the Brumbies was a highlight. I’ve really enjoyed all those last-minute successes like Jordie Petaia’s kick for Hunter’s match winning try in Canberra (2021) and James O’Connor’s try to win the Super Rugby AU grand final the same year.

“Coming into Ballymore to train and prepare has always been enjoyable with such good mates. There have been a lot of those days.

“It’s time for something new and I’m looking forward to what that holds.”

Flook played 70 matches for the Reds, but is heading to Italian side Benetton Rugby on a one-year deal, with an option to go around for another season in 2028. The capped Wallaby always dreamt of playing for Queensland and made that a reality during a popular stint at the club.

The midfielder helped the Reds end their title-drought five years ago, as the Queenslander beat the ACT Brumbies in a tense Super Rugby AU Grand Final. It’s one of the highlights that stands out from his time in Queensland maroon.

“To be able to do that so many times over seven seasons has been an honour. I’ve never taken it for granted,” Flook said.

“It’s been the best job to go to in the world. Hopefully, I’ll be able to pull it on again sometime in the future.”

Flook added: “It always pops up on TV or on Instagram any time we play the Brumbies at Suncorp Stadium. I still get a tingle down the spine every time I see that footage. To win in front of 40,000-plus fans was something special..

“Winning over in Christchurch for the first time in 25 years (in 2024) was another high point after so much Crusaders’ dominance.

“I came through at the same time as some great mates and made plenty of new ones.”

Paisami was named in the Wallabies squad for the Nations Championship Northern Series after another solid season with the Reds. The centre has represented Queensland 80 times since earning a debut six years ago.

“It’s a tough decision to leave the club,” Paisami said, having put pen to paper with the Shizuoka Blue Revs in Japan Rugby League One. He started in all 11 appearance for the club during the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.

“The Reds gave me the opportunity to live my dream of playing Super Rugby with my first game as a professional player back in 2020,” Paisami reflected.

“The Reds will always be home for me. I just love the club. They have given me pretty much everything. That’s me and my family.

“My debut against the Brumbies in 2020 and experiencing the last Reds’ tour to South Africa in the same year are great memories,” Paisami said.

“Being part of the Reds team that beat the Crusaders in Christchurch for the first time in 25 years (in 2024) was very special. It was my 50th cap so it’s a game I’ll always remember.